Janathel Shaw, Sculptor and Portrait Artist

As a ceramic sculptor and figure artist who works in pencil, social justice lies at the core of my art. This artistic journey has centered on revealing the humanity, resilience, trauma, accomplishments, and spiritual path of Blacks in America. It is my desire that the works inspire meaningful or critical dialogue. Much of my portfolio centers on racism and how it has affected the perception of us and our value in society. It is ironic given that our contributions through sacrifice and merit are intertwined in the shaping of this country. My sculptures are used as a way to counter my fear of a dystopian future for our children. How can they survive and thrive if perceived as threats?

Working with clay allows me to enjoy watching my forms emerge. It is here that I feel closer to the earth. Clay is seductive, unpredictable, frustrating, and has its own individuality. It is through this material that I am able to convey emotion and explore sculpting techniques rooted in cultural history and practice. Sgrafitto, coil, pinch, slab are part of the communicative process between the hands and the medium. Once learned, it becomes intuitive like cooking. My fingers react before I touch my chosen clay body. They are my tools for narration which is at the heart of my pieces.

My current portfolio includes free-standing figurative forms. I will revisit panels, wall sculptures, and large scale installations. As an author seeks to add complex layers and depth to her, his or their story, I continue to build upon experience and a lens that examines and initiates growth in my art. Part of this journey includes research and embracing the beauty and powerful works of other artists who are committed to their genres. I see scenarios in which the figures communicate, providing visual tension.

My creative process includes drawing sketches, writing personal notes, being inspired by personal narratives, and being aware of what is happening that involves social justice. Often, I will envision a new piece and sketch images in my sketchbook. Notes are used to flesh out the why and intent. I prefer to construct my figures using the slab and coil methods. It makes it easier to build and develop features with emotion. My sculptural pieces are inspired by personal experience or my emotional reaction to the event. Each piece has its own story and is seen through the lens of a Black woman, mother, and educator.

email: msartist.shaw@gmail.com

http://instagram.com/jmshaw1

Neville Barbour is an artist who leans on his memories of growing up in DC to create charcoal and mixed media portraiture that resonates with him emotionally:

“The process of drawing feels very much like a ritual. I’m more compelled to make that commitment when it feels personal. It’s just a question of what I’m willing to share.”

Neville has participated in over 30 domestic and international juried exhibitions. He has exhibited at various galleries and museums.

He has work in the permanent collection of the David Driskell Center for the Study of Visual Arts & Culture of African Americans and the African diaspora.

Original Work
Charcoal, gold leaf 30" x 30"

Original Work
Charcoal, 23" x 34", exhibited at Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

Original Work
32 5/16" x 29 7/16"; charcoal, graphite, blue stone, colored glass, hand cut felt flowers, acrylic, colored paper

Original Work
21.375" x 22.3125", charcoal, graphite, blue stone, synthetic crystal and pearl